Competition

Today we went to visit the street kids again. 6 o’clock in the morning. We have to go see them early at daybreak because the people refer to these street kids as trash and the kids usually disappear by sunlight to avoid this. About half of them were new but there were also some returners from the past time we went. Seeing these people living on the streets, makes me realize how much I have and take for granted back at home. They smell of musk and glue, which they inhale to keep the pain of hunger minimal. It’s good though, because some of them actually want to turn their lives around and became successful. Our sports ministry team helps them by just being there to talk to them, pray for them, and help these children of the Lord to see that there is a better path through life with trust in Him. With God, all things are possible. We feed them milk and bread; my friend I met today’s name was Kevin. He is 16 and aspires to go back to school and become a math teacher. He is a good kid and when my partner and I asked if he had any prayer requests, he asked us to pray that he would stay off of drugs. This showed me that he wanted change in his life and we let him know that Christ is the start of the way. Later on today, we met the street kids at City Park where some played soccer and others played volleyball or sat around and talked. That’s one thing I love about Nairobi, time, one of life values, is so flexible here. You are not always on a timed schedule or date-by-date planed out. Someone told me that here if you are expected to meet a friend that you see all the time, and on the way to meet them you see an old friend that you haven’t talked to in a while, that they would stop and talk to the old friend for a while to catch up and be late to meet you; I think this is a concept America is missing. It’s a nice simple change. 10 o’clock. A lot more kids showed up to City Park than I had expected, a lot more. Everything here is so beautiful; the trees, the buildings, the people. Every tree seems to be blooming with flowers even though it’s winter; The buildings are not in that great of shape, but they’re interesting shapes and details make them unique; And the people; each person seems to have this spark, something that makes them kind and generous which makes everywhere we go amazing, even if we are somewhere like the slums. I had such a great time playing volleyball with several of the street kids and my team members. Afterwards, we past out milk to the street people and Boniface, the man that runs the street kids ministry, prayed to them and talked about the Lord’s ways. During this time, I am deeply disturbed by the bottles of glue being pasted around by the kids and being inhaled in smallish but multiple amounts. I guess we really can’t do anything about that though but pray to Jesus that they would find the right path. After about 2 hours at the park, we drive to the National Sports Facility where my volleyball team and I play against the National Youth Volleyball Team. 12 o’clock. We put up a good fight but barely lost in the 5th game (best 3 out of 5). They were a very talented group of girls and the played great defense, which contributed to their win. After the game, Liz, one of my volleyball teammates then shared her testimony with the National Team and then we split into one on one groups and prayed for them. Afterwards, we talked to them and found out a bit about their life and who they were. It was a great experience for me to play against a different country and see how differently they play compared to us. And beside all the weird and strong population smells blowing through the outside court, it was a real honor to me. Next we go to watch the girl’s soccer team play to Kenya National Soccer League with some of their club members in there as well and they kicked butt. Our girls won the game 2-1 and I must say I quite enjoyed watching the game and cheering them on. That was around 2 o’clock and the day had been cloudy and kind of misty but by then it had cleared up and there was sunshine. The soccer team did the same as us with splitting up and praying over one another and talking to each other. By this time I’m starving and am anxious to go the hotel to eat. Today was a great day! If there was one major lesson that I learned today it would be that no matter who you are, what you do, or where you live, God loves you and if you trust in Him, all things are possible.

Our family is so thankful for all the stories and details of your experiences. How wonderful to feel the love of God and see his work even in areas where they have so little. It has been such a blessing to share in each day through the blogs. What a great opportunity for growth and humility as you spend time with the children and people in Kenya. We will continue praying for you all during your trip. Can’t wait for the next summary of your day.